The Biancocelesti scraped just one win from the last 10 Serie A rounds and with today’s 1-0 loss fell to 12th place.

“I could not fault my team’s efforts, but unfortunately this is a bleak moment and we can only overcome it by staying strong until it passes,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“We are missing the last pass, the finish and the goal. We are missing belief, which we know comes from results. Last season some shots went straight into the net and now the same type of attempt isn’t going in for us.

“We’ve got to keep working, but above all believe more and be more pro-active so all together we can emerge from this moment.”

The defence has been particularly shaky of late and was caught ball-watching on KamilGlik’s goal.

“I didn’t see a team struggling at the back today, because Torino scored with their first real chance and after that didn’t particularly threaten.

“I think we can improve in every area, but must deflect the negativity that has been excessive recently.”

Much of that ‘negativity’ has come from consistent media reports that Petkovic is hanging by a thread and in negotiations to take over the Swiss national team.

“I have never had the sensation of problems with the club. Over the last month there have been too many rumours and too much speculation.

“We’ve seen I did not resign, I did not sign for Switzerland and none of the 10 different rumoured Coaches have arrived to replace me. It was all speculation.

“I talked to the President last night and the rapport is the same as it was before. Nothing has changed.”

The lack of goals is also down to MiroslavKlose’s continuing shoulder injury problems.

“If he was in good shape, then he would’ve been here. He still feels pain and isn’t easy in his movements, so he was not ready to take part in this match.”

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